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I love the United States of America:

Here is my story that aired last night on 790 KABC as part of the Lasorda at His Best series presented by Skechers:

One of the greatest awards that bestowed upon me was when I received the Ellis Island Heritage Award from the Statue of Liberty – Ellis Island Foundation. I received the award because of my parents, as my father emigrated to the U.S. in 1920 from Italy.

When he came through Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty was there to greet him.

Lee Iacocca was to present the award to me. My four brothers had come to New York from Norristown.

During my acceptance speech, I said that I thank God every night that my father did not miss that boat.

But had he missed the boat, I would be addressing you all today as Pope Thomas XXVI.

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